Web winding machine

ABSTRACT

A flexible web from a stenter is passed from a lower take-off roller onto the surface of a rotating batcher roller. A pair of spaced turrets at opposite ends of the batcher roller have a plurality of radial slots which support successive spears or cores in a parallel relationship and contiguous with the surface of the batcher roller. Batching is accomplished by passing the web through the nip between the batching roller and a spear or core, rotation of the batching roller being the driving means for winding the web on the spear or core. Transfer of the web from a completed batch to a new spear or core is accomplished by intermittently orbiting a carrier cutter around the batcher roller from a first position where it engages the moving web to a second position where it releases the web, the batcher cutter having an electrical element which cuts the web across the width thereof during travel between said positions. A feeding means adjacent the second position introduces a new spear into a turret slot whereby an introduced spear engages the now cut advancing web end.

United States Patent Mitchell 1 Nov. 19, 1974 WEB WINDING MACHINE [75] lnventor: Derek Mitchell, Larkhall, Scotland [73] Assignee: Proctor & Schwartz, Inc.,

Philadelphia, Pa.

[22] Filed: Sept. 17, 1973 [21] Appl. No.: 398,010

[52] US. Cl. 242/56 A, 242/58.2 v[51] Int. Cl B65h 19/20 [58] Field of Search 242/56 A, 64, 58.2

[56] References Cited UNITED STATES PATENTS 2,681,771 6/1954 Haskell 242/56 A 2,703,681 3/1955 Jacobs 242/58.2 2,942,796 6/1960 Gurney 242156 A 3,161,363 12/1964 Press 242/56 A Primary Examiner-John W. Huckert Assistant Examiner-Edward J. McCarthy Attorney, Agent, or Firm-Richard H. Thomas CORE FEED WEB ENGAGEMENT [5 7] ABSTRACT A flexible web from a stenter is passed from a lower take-off roller onto the surface of a rotating batcher roller. A pair of spaced turrets at opposite ends of the batcher roller have a plurality of radial slots which support successive spears or cores in a parallel relationship and contiguous with the surface of the batcher roller. Batching is accomplished by passing the web through the nip between the batching roller and a spear or core, rotation of the batching roller being the driving means for winding the web on the spear or core. Transfer of the web from a completed batch to a new spear or core is accomplished by intermittently orbiting a carrier cutter around the batcher roller from a first position where it engages the moving web to a second position where it releases the web, the batcher cutter having an electrical element which cuts the web across the width thereof during travel be tween said positions. A feeding means adjacent the second position introduces a new spear into a turret slot whereby an introduced spear engages the now out advancing web end.

10 Claims, 4 Drawing Figures .5 demo:

pos/r/m/ PATENTEL 881 8.848.828

SHEEI 2 OF 4 Fig. 2

PATENTMUVIQIBH 8.848.823

SHEEI 30F 4 I I HI WEB WINDING MACHINE The present invention relates to a cutting and winding machine for strip material, and in particular to a machine suitable for forming small batches of textile fabric material, such as for sale in retail outlets, following finish processing.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION Batching is that operation in which a strip or web of indefinite or practically infinite length is rolled onto successive spears or cores wherein the strip or web is cut on completion of one batch and is transferred to a new spear or core for completion of a next batch. The present invention is directed to batching of fabrics, particularly following finish processing and take-off from a machine such as a textile stenter.

Fabric cutters and batchers of various types for use as ancillary equipment for textile stenters are known. These vary considerably in design depending upon the fabric being processed, that is, whether the fabric is knitted, woven, or non-woven, and also upon the stage which has been reached in the processing of the fabric.

In the case of fabric batchers following finish processing, it clearly is desirable to maintain a continuous, constant speed, movement of the fabric from the processing machine, onto batching spears or cores, and at the same time it is desirable to limit the tension imposed by the batcher on the fabric. This is especially critical for knitted fabrics, and is rendered difficult due to the build-up of a batch onto the cores or spears, which must be driven to maintain tension.

The cutting step also is rendered difficult due to the movement of the fabric. With stationary cutting means, the cutting must be essentially instantaneous with transfer of the fabric from one core or spear to the next. Except with the use of very expensive or complex designs, this limits the speed with which the fabric can be moved. It also imposes limitations on the type of fabric which can be cut. Alternatively, cutting and batching is subject to frequent interruptions and breakdowns, for instance as a result of failure during the cutting operation is completely out through the fabric.

Accordingly, it is an object of the present invention to provide a moderately priced cutter and batcher for fabrics in which the fabric is moved continuously at a constant speed and tension on the fabric is limited to a predetermined amount.

It is also an object of the present invention to provide a cutting and batching machine particularly suitable for use with knitted fabrics.

It is still-further an object of the present invention to provide an inexpensive cutter-batcher machine for knitted fabrics in which cutting is carried out on the fabric by a cutter element which moves with the fabric during a cutting period sufiiciently long that complete cutting is assured.

According to the concepts of the present invention, there is provided a machine for winding a flexible strip or web onto consecutive spears or cores, which comprises a main batcher roller and support means for supporting the spears or cores in a parallel relationship with the surface of the roller and generally contiguous with the surface so that the spears or cores are rotatably driven by the roller. The spears are moved in a planetary movement by the support means about the axis of the roller from a first feeding station to a discharge station. A cutter element is provided which includes means for gripping the strip or web, and a support which moves the element in a planetary movement about the axis of the main roller from a first position where it engages the strip or web to a second position adjacent the feeding station. Contact is maintained with the strip or web, across the width thereof, during the movement between said positions so that cutting is complete at the second position.

Transfer of the advancing strip or web onto a spear or core is accomplished by drawing the advancing strip through the nip between a newly introduced spear and the main roller. The spear is provided with an adhesivecoated surface which engages the strip or web as the latter is released by the cutter element. Rapid rotation of the batcher roller then causes the web to wind on the spear, the spear floating in the support means therefor so that it moves away from the surface of the roller as winding progresses.

On completion of batching, the batched spear is then moved to the discharge station. During such movement, the cutter element is again brought into contact with the advancing web or strip, cutting the same and transferring the web or strip onto a newly introduced spear or core at the feeding station.

Preferably the support means for the spears or cores is in the form of a pair of turret side plates positioned at opposite ends of the main batcher roller, each plate having a plurality of radial slots. A slot of one plate is aligned with the slot of the other, the spears or cores being fed into the slots and floating therein during the batching operation.

In operation, the cutter element engages the web or strip (i.e., fabric) at about a five oclock position, with regard to the axis of the batcher roller and with regard to clockwise rotation of the roller. The element is provided with a plurality of pins at spaced intervals along the length of the element which grip the fabric across its width. Gripping is maintained to about an eleven oclock position at which point the pins are retracted and the fabric is released. Cutting is completed between these positions. The feeding station for the spears or cores is at about a ten o'clock position, so that as a newly introduced spear or core slides in the turret slots towards the surface of the batcher roller, it contacts the released free end of the advancing fabric. Batching on the newly introduced spear or core then occurs at about a twelve 0clock position, after which the turret end plates are indexed to release the completed batched spear by gravity at about a four oclock position.

An advantage of the invention is that the advancing strip or web travels at a constant speed which is the same speed as the surface of the batcher roller. In that the driving means for winding on the spears or cores is the surface of the batcher roller, this constant speed can be maintained readily during the batching or winding operation. Tension on the web or strip is limited to a predetermined amount simply by control of the speed of the batcher roller.

It will also be apparent that the invention provides a means for effecting a complete fabric cut on changeover from a completed batch to a new spear or core. In that the cutting element is carried with the fabric. higher fabric speeds can be utilized as compared to machines wherein the cutting element is stationary and cutting must be substantially instantaneous.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS The invention and its objects and advantages will be best understood from the following detailed description with reference to the accompanying drawings in which:

FIG. 4 is a section elevation view taken along line I 44 of FIG. 2.

For the purpose of illustration, the strip or web subjected to batching will hereinafter be referred to as fabric or fabric strip. Also, for purpose of illustration, the following description where appropriate will be with reference only to one side or end of the machine, and it should be understood thatthe components named would be duplicated on the opposite side or end of the machine.

Referring to the drawings, and in particular to FIG. 1, there is shown a winding machine 10, in accordance with the concepts of the present invention, which consists principallyof a main batcher roller 12, a stenter take-off roller 14 and a pair of side turret plates 16 positioned at opposite ends of the batcher roller. A fabric strip 18 from a stenter (not shown) is passed around the lower take-off roller and onto the surface 20 of the main batcher roller. The side turret plates are of larger diameter than the batcher roller and are provided with a plurality of radially disposed slots 22 which extend inwardly from the periphery of the turret plates to a depth approaching the axis of the roller. The batcher roller and the side turret plates are separately journaled in a manner to be described and are rotated for rotation at different speeds. Rotation is in a clockwise direction as indicated.

At about the ten oclock position, relative to the axis of the batcher roller, feeding station 23 is provided for introducing a plurality of batching spears 24 or cores into the slots 22 of the side turret plates as the latter are moved past the feeding station. The spears are provided with an adhesive-coated surface 26. As a spear is dropped into a slot rotated past the feeding station, it slides inwardly (as shown in phantom lines at about the eleven oclock position) until it engages the advancing fabric strip 18 being carried in the area between the spear and the surface 20 of the main roller. The fabric, in a manner also to be described, is subjected to a cutting action between about a five oclock position and the ten oclock position so that near the ten oclock position cutting is completed. The portion of the advancing strip which is engaged thus becomes free for winding on the spear. The spear continues to slide by gravity in the turret slots until it is contiguous with the surface 20 of the batcher roller, at which point the fabric free end is pressed against the spear in the nip between the spear and roller. Rotation of the batcher roller causes rotation of the spear and build-up of the advancing fabric strip on the spear. Following engagement of the introduced spear and advancing fabric free end, rotation of the turret side plates is continued until the spear is in about a twelve oclock position at which point batch build-up takes place until nearly completed.

The winding machine is also provided with a carrier cutter 30 which is in a normally parked position (at about three oclock). It is shown in this position in solid lines, and in phantom lines at about a five oclock position, having been moved into engagement with the advancing fabric strip, and in phantom lines somewhat past the eleven oclock position having moved to that position with the fabric. The carrier cutter is provided with a plurality of pins 32 which project from the cutter, when the latter is moved to the five oclock position, to grip the fabric, and which continue to grip the fabric up to about the eleven oclock position. At this point, the pins are withdrawn releasing the fabric.

The carrier cutter is also provided with an electric heating element 34 which contacts the fabric strip across the width thereof following gripping by the pins. This contact is maintained until cutting is complete, at or before the ten oclock position. At this point a newly introduced spear 24 engages the advancing cut end of the fabric, still gripped however by the carrier cutter. With such engagement, the advancing end is released by the cutter, permitting the newly introduced spear to drop to the surface of the batcher roller, and batching is commenced.

In a manner to be described, the carrier cutter is advanced only at timed intervals from the normally parked position to the five oclock position for engagement with the fabric, to the eleven oclock position and then back to the parked position, remaining in the latter position for most of the batching operation. It makes this full revolution at the same speed as the fabric strip or batcher roller surface. The turret side plates, however, make only one-third of a revolution, at about a third of the speed, during the full revolution by the carrier cutter. In other words, the turret side plates are intermittently indexed to move a completed batch to about the four oclock position where the batches are released to a chute 28. At the same time a new spear is picked up and indexed to the twelve oclock position where batch buildup occurs.

With reference to FIG. 2, which illustrates only the left-hand portion of the machine, viewing the machine from the front, the batcher roller 12 is shown as embraced by the side turret plates 16, the latter being displaced substantially out-board of the roller end. The slots 22 in the turret plates extend, as shown, to a depth more than sufficient to permit spears retained in the slots to engage the surface 20 of the batcher roller. It is of course understood that the structure of FIG 2 is essentially duplicated for the right-hand portion of the machine.

The batcher roller 20 is welded onto a shaft 35 which is journaled in a bearing or journal 36 positioned further out-board than the turret plates 16. The shaft 35 is contained within a cylindrical stationary collar 38 on its out board end and the turret plates 16 are rotatably mounted on the collar. Bushings 40 are positioned between the collar 38 and shaft 35 to permit rotation of the latter within the collar. Also shown is a backplate 42 which constitutes a support for journal 36, for the stationary collar, and for other drive elements of the winding machine to be described.

The drive for the turret plate 16 includes a sprocket wheel 44 which is pinned to the plate. Both the plate and sprocket wheel are seated in a slightly recessed surface of the collar 38 positioned axially on the collar by a cylindrical retaining rin 45. Th k t d i f 5 and 4. The tubular element 46 is essentially square and the turret plate permits it to be rotated at a speed independent of the speed of the batcher roller.

Also shown in FIG. 2 is the carrier cutter 30. The cutter consists of a tubular element 46 which is disposed parallel with the batcher roller surface 20, seated at opposite ends in housing members 48. The housing members are each provided with a radial arm 50 which receives the tubular element 46 and also with a rotatable sleeve portion 52 which encompasses and embraces stationary collar 38. The sleeve portion is held axially in position by a cylindrical bearing ring 54 which in turn is secured to the collar. The carrier sleeve, as with the turret plate, is provided with a sprocket wheel 56, to which it is pinned, permitting rotation of the cutter carrier independent from rotation of the batcher roller.

In the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 2, a cam 58 in the shape of a washer-like plate, is pinned to the inboard end of collar 38. The cam has'an outer cam surface 60 which engages and actuates a cam follower portion of the carrier cutter in a manner to be described. The cam outboard face 61 provides a bearing surface against which the cutter carrier sleeve 52 bears so that the sleeve is axially located by both the bearing ring 54 and the cam face 61.

FIG. 3 illustrates the drive for the aforementioned components. A single electromagnetic clutch 62 is chain connected with a sprocket wheel 64 keyed to the batcher roller support shaft 34, and is also chain connected to sprocket wheel 66 which drives a control shaft 68. The latter is provided with two in-board spaced-apart sprocket wheels 70 and 72 which are chain connected with the sprocket wheels 44 and 56 for rotation of the turret plates 16 and carrier cutter housing members 48, respectively. The sprocket wheels are all dimensioned so that the batcher roller, the side turret plates and the carrier cutter rotate at predetermined speeds. In the embodiment illustrated in the drawings wherein the side turret plates are each provided with three slots for retaining the batching spears, the batcher roller rotates at about three times the speed of the turret side plates, and the carrier cutter rotates at the same speed as the batcher roller, or at the speed of the fabric being carried by the surface of the batcher roller.

As shown, the back plate 42 provides a support for the journal 36 and also for journal 73, for the main drive shaft 34 and for the control shaft 68, respectively.

Details of the carrier cutter are illustrated in FIGS. 2 and 4. Shown in FIG. 4 is the carrier cutter housing member 48 comprising radial arm 50 and sleeve 52, the

' latter being rotatably mounted on stationary collar 38.

Also shown in this figure is cam 58 and cam surface 60. A further element shown in this figure is a circular, stationary electrical contact ring 74 arranged to bring electrical current to the carrier cutter in a manner to be described. The contact ring 74 is shown in FIG. 2, seated between rotating sleeve 52 and the stationary collar, pinned to the latter.

In FIGS. 2 and 4, the capitol letters S and R indicate whether the component is stationary or rotatable.

Details of the carrier cutter are illustrated in FIGS. 2

is made from aluminum, the ooposite ends of the tubular element being secured in recesses 76 of the radical arms 50 of the housing members 48. Within the tubular elements 46, there is disposed an elongated aluminum rocker tube 78 on which are mounted a plurality of transfer pins 32 positioned at predetermined intervals axially along the tube, the member and spacing of the pins depending upon the type of fabric being batched. The rocker tube supports at each end a cam follower 80 which rides against surface 60 of the stationary cam 58 on rotation of the cutter carrier about the axis of shaft 34. The shape of the cam 58 is such as to impart a rocking motion to the rocker tube causing the pins at periodic intervals to project and retract from the tubular element 46. In this respect, the tubular element 46 is provided with a slot 82 along the exposed upper surface thereof in which is retained a block 84 extending essentially the full length of the element. The block 84 is provided with a plurality of spaced openings 86 through which and in which the pins 32 ride.

The shape of the cam 58 and nature of the rocking motion of pins 32 should be evident from FIG. 4. The cam surface 60 is essentially semi-circular at 60a, about half its circumference. At 60b, 60c, 60d, 60c the surface is flattened and recessed with regard to the cam diameter. The numeral 87 indicates a spring which biases the rocker tube 78 in a counter-clockwise direction wherein the pins 32 are withdrawn into openings 86. Surface 60b is sufficiently recessed for full withdrawal of the pins. However, surfaces 60c, 60d, and 60e, are progressively less recessed and the pins 32 are forced outwardly with clockwise rotation of the cam follower 80 across these surfaces (and the resulting clockwise rotation of the rocker tube 78). The full outward position is then maintained during rotation of the cam follower across surface 60a. It is apparent that surface 60a extends from about the five oclock position to about the ten oclock position. Surfaces 60c, 60d,and 60a, extend from the normally parked position at about three oclock to about the five oclock position.

The block 84 is of an insulating material, and retains along an exposed surface the electrically heated cutting element 35. As mentioned above, current is introduced to the carrier cutter by means of the annular slip ring 74. Carbon brush 88 rides against the slip ring held against the ring by spring 90. Connecting wires 92 extend between the brush 88 and the heating element 35.

The electrically heated element 35 is made from a folded high-resistance alloy strip and is supported along its length. It will be apparent that because of the comparatively long time available for cutting, the temperature need not be as high as that necessary for a conventional hot-wire cutter which must operate substantially instantaneously. Furthermore, the use of a folded alloy element makes it a less critical component. These two aspects permit the cutter element 35 to be permanently in circuit when the batcher is in operation.

It will also be apparent that the invention is essentially foolproof. That is, as heating of the cutting element 35 is less critical, more time for cutting being available, cutting completely through the fabric is assured preventing downtime of the batcher cutter. In other words, in that the hot cutter element moves with the cloth, this gives a dwell time which is relatively long so that cutting is complete. Further, engagement of the fabric by the carrier cutter is assured during the cutting process. In addition, positive transfer of the fabric to a newly introduced spear is equally well assured. In this respect, the transfer needles hold the cloth end from start of the cutting operation to release for starting a new batch.

As a further advantage, the provision of a dwell period for cutting, rendering the design of the components less critical, results in a relatively low-priced machine which is capable of operation at high peed.

What is claimed is:

1. A machine for winding a flexible web onto consecutive spears comprising:

a batcher roller;

means for rotating the roller;

means for supporting a spear in contiguous parallel relationship with the surface of the batcher roller;

means for guiding the flexible web onto the surface of the roller whereby the web engages the roller at a point removed from the spear; the spear and the batcher roller defining a nip through which the web passes so that rotation of the batcher roller causes rotation of the spear and winding of the web on the spear; a carrier cutter; means for orbiting said cutter about the surface of the batcher roller, the cutter including means to engage the web at a first position remote from said nip prior to engagement of the web with the batcher roller and to release the web at a second position adjacent said nip, the carrier cutter having an electrical heating element adapted to engage the web and to cut the web across the width thereof during movement of the cutter between said positions; feeding station adjacent said nip for introducing successive spears into contiguous relationship with the batcher roller, the movement of the carrier cutter being in timed relationhip with the feed of successive spears so that the cutter remains in engagement with the web past the feeding station releasing the web on engagement of the web by a newly introduced spear.

2. The machine of claim 1 wherein said spears are provided with an adhesive-coated surface.

3. The machine of claim 2 wherein said spear support means comprises a pair of side turret plates at opposite ends of the batcher roller, a plurality of radial slots in said turret plates in which the spears float, a slot of one plate being aligned with the slot of another plate, said plates being rotatable on the same axis as the batcher roller to orbit the spears about the surface of the batcher roller from the feeding station to a second position at which batching occurs, and then to a third position at which the completed batches are released from the machine.

4. A machine for winding a flexible web onto consecutive spears comprising:

a batcher roller;

means for rotating the roller;

a pair of spaced turrets at opposite ends of the roller each having a plurality of radial slots;

means for rotating the turrets;

feeding means for introducing successive spears into said slots, a slot of one turret being aligned with a slot of the other turret to hold the spears parallel to and contiguous with the batcher surface roller, the held spear and batcher roller defining a nip through which the web passes;

means for guiding the flexible web onto the surface of the roller whereby the web engages the roller at a point removed from said nip;

an elongated carrier cutter;

means for orbiting said carrier cutter around the batcher roller such that in a first position remote from said nip prior to engagement of the web with the batcher roller it engages the web across the width of the web and in another position spaced from the first position releases the web;

said carrier cutter having an electrical element which cuts the web across the width thereof during movement of the cutter between said positions;

said feeding means being adjacent the second position whereby a newly introduced spear engages the advancing web while still engaged by the carrier cutter, cutting however being at least substantially completed;

the batcher roller being rotatable to wind the web on the newly introduced spear, the spear floating in the aligned turret slots so that it moves away from the surface of the batching roller as winding progresses.

5. The machine claim 4 wherein said spears are adhesive-coated.

6. A machine for winding a flexible web onto consecutive spears comprising:

a batcher roller;

means for rotating the roller;

a pair of spaced turrets at opposite ends of the roller each having a plurality of radial slots;

means for rotating the turrets;

feeding means for introducing successive spears into said slots, a slot of one turret being aligned with a slot of the other turret to hold the spears parallel to and contiguous with the batcher surface roller, the held spear and batcher roller defining a nip through which the web passes;

means for guiding the flexible web onto the surface of the roller whereby the web engages the roller at a point removed from said nip;

an elongated carrier cutter;

means for orbiting said carrier cutter around the batcher roller such that in a first position remote from said nip prior to engagement of the web with the batcher roller it engages the web across the width of the web and in another position spaced from the first position releases the web;

said carrier cutter having an electrical element which cuts the web across the width thereof during movement of the cutter between said positions;

said feeding means being adjacent the second position whereby a newly introduced spear engages the advancing web while still engaged by the carrier cutter, cutting however being at least substantially completed;

the batcher roller being rotatable to wind the web on the newly introduced spear, the spear floating in the aligned turret slots so that it moves away from the surface of the batching roller as winding progresses;

said turret and carrier cutter being intermittently rotated;

said spears being adhesive coated.

7. The machine of claim 6 wherein said turrets and carrier cutter are driven from the same drive shaft including drive means to cause the carrier cutter to make a full revolution for a third of a revolution for the turrets, the turrets being provided with three spaced radial slots.

8. The machine according to claim 7 wherein said carrier cutter comprises an elongated tubular element positioned parallel to the surface of the batcher roller, but spaced from the surface; an elongated outwardly facing slot in said tubular element extending substantially the full length of the element; a plurality of needles at spaced intervals along the slot, actuating means for projecting said needles from the slot and for withdrawing said needles, and an electrically heated cutting element also disposed in said slot for substantially the full length thereof.

9. The machine of claim 8 wherein said actuating means comprises a stationary cam coaxial with the batcher roller and a cam follower between said needles and said cam surface.

10. The machine of claim 9 wherein said turrets comprise a plurality of circular plates, the slot extending radially from the periphery of the plates to a depth sufficient to allow spears introduced into the slot to seat contiguous with the surface of the batcher roller. 

1. A machine for winding a flexible web onto consecutive spears comprising: a batcher roller; means for rotating the roller; means for supporting a spear in contiguous parallel relationship with the surface of the batcher roller; means for guiding the flexible web onto the surface of the roller whereby the web engages the roller at a point removed from the spear; the spear and the batcher roller defining a nip through which the web passes so that rotation of the batcher roller causes rotation of the spear and winding of the web on the spear; a carrier cutter; means for orbiting said cutter about the surface of the batcher roller, the cutter including means to engage the web at a first position remote from said nip prior to engagement of the web with the batcher roller and to release the web at a second position adjacent said nip, the carrier cutter having an electrical heating element adapted to engage tHe web and to cut the web across the width thereof during movement of the cutter between said positions; a feeding station adjacent said nip for introducing successive spears into contiguous relationship with the batcher roller, the movement of the carrier cutter being in timed relationhip with the feed of successive spears so that the cutter remains in engagement with the web past the feeding station releasing the web on engagement of the web by a newly introduced spear.
 2. The machine of claim 1 wherein said spears are provided with an adhesive-coated surface.
 3. The machine of claim 2 wherein said spear support means comprises a pair of side turret plates at opposite ends of the batcher roller, a plurality of radial slots in said turret plates in which the spears float, a slot of one plate being aligned with the slot of another plate, said plates being rotatable on the same axis as the batcher roller to orbit the spears about the surface of the batcher roller from the feeding station to a second position at which batching occurs, and then to a third position at which the completed batches are released from the machine.
 4. A machine for winding a flexible web onto consecutive spears comprising: a batcher roller; means for rotating the roller; a pair of spaced turrets at opposite ends of the roller each having a plurality of radial slots; means for rotating the turrets; feeding means for introducing successive spears into said slots, a slot of one turret being aligned with a slot of the other turret to hold the spears parallel to and contiguous with the batcher surface roller, the held spear and batcher roller defining a nip through which the web passes; means for guiding the flexible web onto the surface of the roller whereby the web engages the roller at a point removed from said nip; an elongated carrier cutter; means for orbiting said carrier cutter around the batcher roller such that in a first position remote from said nip prior to engagement of the web with the batcher roller it engages the web across the width of the web and in another position spaced from the first position releases the web; said carrier cutter having an electrical element which cuts the web across the width thereof during movement of the cutter between said positions; said feeding means being adjacent the second position whereby a newly introduced spear engages the advancing web while still engaged by the carrier cutter, cutting however being at least substantially completed; the batcher roller being rotatable to wind the web on the newly introduced spear, the spear floating in the aligned turret slots so that it moves away from the surface of the batching roller as winding progresses.
 5. The machine claim 4 wherein said spears are adhesive-coated.
 6. A machine for winding a flexible web onto consecutive spears comprising: a batcher roller; means for rotating the roller; a pair of spaced turrets at opposite ends of the roller each having a plurality of radial slots; means for rotating the turrets; feeding means for introducing successive spears into said slots, a slot of one turret being aligned with a slot of the other turret to hold the spears parallel to and contiguous with the batcher surface roller, the held spear and batcher roller defining a nip through which the web passes; means for guiding the flexible web onto the surface of the roller whereby the web engages the roller at a point removed from said nip; an elongated carrier cutter; means for orbiting said carrier cutter around the batcher roller such that in a first position remote from said nip prior to engagement of the web with the batcher roller it engages the web across the width of the web and in another position spaced from the first position releases the web; said carrier cutter having an electrical element which cuts the web across the width thereof during movement of the cutter between said positions; said feeding means being adjacent the second position whereby a newly introduced spear engages the advancing web while still engaged by the carrier cutter, cutting however being at least substantially completed; the batcher roller being rotatable to wind the web on the newly introduced spear, the spear floating in the aligned turret slots so that it moves away from the surface of the batching roller as winding progresses; said turret and carrier cutter being intermittently rotated; said spears being adhesive coated.
 7. The machine of claim 6 wherein said turrets and carrier cutter are driven from the same drive shaft including drive means to cause the carrier cutter to make a full revolution for a third of a revolution for the turrets, the turrets being provided with three spaced radial slots.
 8. The machine according to claim 7 wherein said carrier cutter comprises an elongated tubular element positioned parallel to the surface of the batcher roller, but spaced from the surface; an elongated outwardly facing slot in said tubular element extending substantially the full length of the element; a plurality of needles at spaced intervals along the slot, actuating means for projecting said needles from the slot and for withdrawing said needles, and an electrically heated cutting element also disposed in said slot for substantially the full length thereof.
 9. The machine of claim 8 wherein said actuating means comprises a stationary cam coaxial with the batcher roller and a cam follower between said needles and said cam surface.
 10. The machine of claim 9 wherein said turrets comprise a plurality of circular plates, the slot extending radially from the periphery of the plates to a depth sufficient to allow spears introduced into the slot to seat contiguous with the surface of the batcher roller. 